MyD88 and Sjögren’s disease
Analysis of MyD88-mediated activation in Sjogren’s disease
Seeing whether a protein called MyD88 drives the immune attacks that cause Sjögren’s disease in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11349749 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on MyD88, a protein that helps immune cells signal and may trigger the dry eyes, dry mouth, and other organ problems in primary Sjögren’s disease. Researchers will use lab tests, patient-derived samples, and model systems to look for specific immune triggers, such as Toll-like receptor signals and IL-1 family molecules, that activate MyD88. They will measure outcomes like autoantibodies, salivary flow loss, and tissue inflammation to connect MyD88 activity with symptoms. The team aims to identify molecular targets and markers that could enable earlier diagnosis or new treatments to slow or stop disease progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults, particularly women, with a diagnosis of primary Sjögren’s disease and symptoms such as dry eyes or dry mouth are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without primary Sjögren’s disease or whose dryness is caused by non-autoimmune factors are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify biomarkers and drug targets that lead to earlier diagnosis and treatments to preserve saliva production and reduce organ inflammation.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting MyD88-related pathways has shown promise in other autoimmune conditions and prior studies link MyD88 to Sjögren’s, but pinpointing the exact triggers in this disease remains new.
Where this research is happening
Amherst, United States
- State University of New York at Buffalo — Amherst, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kramer, Jill Marie — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Kramer, Jill Marie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.